A man was arrested after he was caught on camera in what appeared to be the abduction of a screaming woman outside a Kansas home. The alarming incident, which took place early Sunday morning, quickly circulated online and sparked public concern. By Tuesday, police confirmed that the woman had been found safe and was not significantly injured.
According to the Wichita Police Department, the case is now being treated as a possible domestic violence situation involving a 35-year-old woman and her boyfriend.
Authorities shared that the victim contacted them on Tuesday afternoon, leading to an interview with investigators. Afterwards, the suspect, a 22-year-old man, was taken into custody on Tuesday evening. The arrest occurred around 7 p.m. by officers assigned to the Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction Team.
The suspect was subsequently booked on multiple charges, including aggravated battery by strangulation, two counts of domestic simple battery, and criminal restraint. According to reports, whether or not the formal charges will be filed against the suspect will be determined by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.
The disturbing footage that led to the arrest was captured by a home security camera in the 1400 block of North Volutsia. In the video, a man grabs a woman from behind and forces her away from the house.
Although she is screaming, the man drags her down a driveway. The footage was shared publicly by police on Monday, who asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the woman and ensuring her safety.
“Your assistance is vital in helping us ensure her safety,” the department said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “If you recognize her or have any information about her identity or whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately.”
The video came to light after a local homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, decided to review her security footage and noticed the unsettling scene. She immediately reported it to the police on Sunday evening.
Following the release of the video, Crime Stoppers offered a $2,000 reward for information that could help identify the woman. Police also sought assistance from regional and federal law enforcement agencies to locate her.
By Tuesday, the woman herself reached out to authorities, and Wichita police credited the public’s response for helping to resolve the case.